‘Homeland’ pays homage to homeland in awards speech

Avi Nir tells Golden Globes that the show, based on ‘Hatufim,’ opened the door for Israeli TV in Hollywood

Claire Danes, lead actress in 'Homeland,' arrives at a premiere of the first episode of the second season of the Israeli drama 'Hatufim' ('Prisoners of War'), on which Homeland is based, in Tel Aviv, May 19, 2012. (photo credit: Roni Schutzer/Flash90)

Writers

Stuart Winer
Stuart Winer is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.

Newsroom

Related Topics

Israeli television got a high-profile nod at the Golden Globes Sunday night when the producer of “Homeland,” while accepting the award for Best Drama Series, gave a shout-out to the Israeli series that served as the inspiration for the hit Showtime program.

“I want to thank Avi Nir of the Israeli show ‘Hatufim,’ on which Homeland is based,” producer Howard Gordon said during his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony.

In addition to creating the original Israeli series, which deals with the return home of released prisoners of war, Nir and Gideon Raff are also the executive producers of the US version of the show and were on stage with Gordon at the award ceremony.

Nir used the platform to toot his and Raff’s horns, saying that his show had made Israeli television a commodity in Hollywood, the Israelity blog reported.

“Thank you to [Gideon] Raff and the Keshet crew for paving the way and allowing an entry visa to Hollywood to other Israeli creators,” he said.

A number of Israeli shows have been optioned for production in the US, including the psychiatric drama “In Treatment,” known as “Betipul” in Israel, and “Traffic Light,” based on Israeli hit “Ramzor,” though none have been as successful as “Homeland,” which also fared well at the Emmys and Golden Globes last year.

British actor Damian Lewis won the award for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his role in the show, and his costar actress Claire Danes took the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

By signing up, you agree to our
terms
You hereby accept The Times of Israel Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and you agree to receive the latest news & offers from The Times of Israel and its partners or ad sponsors.